Ex-PAT's age rage

Since then, I have been involved in a gas-fired CCPP project in northern Spain which, contractually, has tested my imagination and is likely to do so until well after the station is on line.

But my issue is not about nuclear power - it's about ageism in the UK construction industry. It's rife, damaging to the industry and to society as a whole, and it's boring. I do not find this in continental Europe and I have worked for some of the biggest blue chip names you can think of here. Us older hands get things done on time with great flare and success.

I continually receive calls from home asking what my availability is and, in one case, a letter saying there was "huge demand" for construction staff, particularly experienced QSs. Out of curiosity I make enquiries which all go well until I mention my age, when the conversation dies.

One major agency agrees that this is all wrong, but admits that clients stipulate ages between 28 and 45, nothing beyond, and there is little they can do to dissuade them otherwise.

This I find unique to the UK and it makes me angry because there is a huge pool of untapped labour that is wasted by stupid attitudes to age. Will it be cured by upcoming legislation? I doubt it.

The industry is crying out for good staff and if UK goes nuclear again, which I believe and hope it will for my grandchildren's sake, it will really be in dire straits for experienced staff. However, perhaps it may mean older chaps like myself invading with large European construction groups to rescue Gran Bretaña.

John Waller, Aragon, Spain